Driving Safety

New Zealand Road Rules and Safety for Tourists and Travellers

We want you to enjoy your time in New Zealand and stay safe on the roads when renting one of our rental cars. It’s important for you to understand the New Zealand Road Code before setting off to your destination in your rental car.

We advise that all of our overseas customers consult theDriveSafe website so as to ensure their safety and that of others on New Zealand’s roads.

Can I drive in New Zealand?

You must have your current and valid driver licence or driver permit with you at all times when you’re driving. If your overseas licence or driver permit is not in English, you must also carry an accurate English translation issued by:

a translation service approved by the NZ Transport Agency (a list is available at http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/residents-visitors/translators.html), ora diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, orthe authority that issued your overseas licence.An International Driving Permit (issued in accordance with a United Nations Convention on Road Traffic) is acceptable as a translation

New Zealand Car Hire Safe Driving - Click on a brochure to find out more

New Zealand Raod Signs

Compulsory signs tell you what youmustormustnotdo.

They are usually red or blue and some have red borders.

Warning signs alert you to a particular hazard on the road ahead. They warn you to be careful for your own safety, the safety of other road users or the safety of road workers carrying out maintenance.

There are two types of warning signs:

those that warn you of apermanenthazard

those that warn you of atemporaryhazard.

Both types of sign are usually diamond shaped.

Permanent warning signs are yellow and black and temporary warning signs are orange and black.

Information signs give you useful information, for example, the distance to the next town. They are all rectangular, but come in a range of different colours and sizes.

Can I drive in New Zealand?

You must have your current and valid driver licence or driver permit with you at all times when you’re driving. If your overseas licence or driver permit is not in English, you must also carry an accurate English translation issued by:

a translation service approved by the NZ Transport Agency (a list is available at http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/residents-visitors/translators.html), ora diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, orthe authority that issued your overseas licence.An International Driving Permit (issued in accordance with a United Nations Convention on Road Traffic) is acceptable as a translation